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PIA News Service - Monday, Jan. 24, 2011

Surigao Norte gov leads blessing of 2 eco-friendly shuttle service

SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Jan. 24 (PIA) – Gov. Sol Matugas led recently the blessing of two eco-friendly tricycles (E-trike) to service not just for the capitol employees but to all Surigaonons as well, in going to and from the provincial capitol compound.

The lady governor said this is to provide convenience to everybody who will be transacting business with the provincial government. “This is the project of the provincial capitol to give convenience to everybody who will be transacting business with us because I know it’s hard to walk the complex. It is so big.”

Gov. Matugas also revealed that after she was elected to office as the new governor this has always been the request of the capitol employees, “to provide a shuttle service for them.”

The said two Etrikes were purchased from Siargao Bank thru Islas Ecology Development Advocacy (ISDA Foundation) amounted to P150, 000 each.

ISDA Executive Director Lou Vanessa Bauzon said the Etrike can accommodate 8 passengers and it is a battery powered tricycle and can recharge after six to eight hours use depending on the travel.

“It runs 70 to 80kms. in just one charge and has no maintenance,” Bauzon added.

Earlier, the noise and air pollution-free Etrike has been showcased during the launching of Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction project known as Depensa in this city. (FEAbkilan, PIA-Surigao del Norte)

In his recent visit to Surigao del Norte, Alcala said the said amount will serve as an initial assistance to farmers who were severely affected by the recent calamity.

Aside from the financial assistance, some agricultural equipment were also given to the provincial government which include seven units drip irrigation, two units greenhouse, three units pump and engine sets, and two units of computer sets.

Meantime, Alcala urged the local mayors to take advantage of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), a program jointly funded by the World Bank (WB), the national government and local governments – now on its second phase. A program, according to Sec. Alcala, was not properly utilized in the previous administration.

In Surigao del Norte, only 10 out of 20 municipalities were able to benefit the said program.

“I urged the other mayors to prepare for the necessary requirements for you to be included in the MRDP phase 3,” said Alcala.

Alcala said the good news for this new MRDP under his reign is that the decrease in counterpart funding requirement, from 50 percent to10 percent that would allow local governments to put up more agricultural infrastructure projects.

Under the new scheme, the WB will fund 50 percent of the total project cost, while 40 percent will be shouldered by the department and only 10 percent will be the local government unit’s counterpart.

.The courageous populace from the different towns, cities and provinces of Northern and Southern part of Mindanao were gathered together to witness this momentous event of the year, the Kahimunan Festival 2011 held recently at Sport Complex Barangay Libertad, Butuan City.

.This activity was made successful through the exerted effort and benevolent support of the City Mayor of Butuan, Hon. Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr. who gladly felt of the numerous constituents who witnessed the said event.

.With him was his beloved wife who is the current Chairperson of the City Tourism Council, which first and foremost prepared this activity to ensure the success as accompanied by the lay workers of Libertad Parish, Butuan City.

.The City Vice-Mayor, Lawrence Lemuel Fortun was also present on this occasion with the energetic and brilliant members of the City Council of Butuan who were extending their gratitude to those participants, especially to out-of-town contingents Gingoog City and Esperanza, Agusan del Sur. Some contingents were coming from and represent the different schools of Butuan City.

.On the other hand, Mr. Audie Ocampo, chairperson of the City Tourism of Gingoog, commends that “this activity is well-organized and he is thankful of the warmth welcome extended by all Butuanons”.

.Right after the presentation of the six contingents, t Agusan National High School garnered the Grand Prize award and received an amount of P200, 000.00. The First Runner Up was awarded to the contingent from Esperanza, Agusan del Sur receiving an amount of P150,000.00 while 2nd Runner Up received an amount of P120,000.00 and was awarded to the contingent from Gingoog City. However, other contingents did not go home with tears but still full of smiles as they received consolation prizes worth of P10,000.00 each. Said contingents are all coming in Butuan City specifically from Barangay Bonbon, Brgy. Libertad, and Butuan Central Elem School.Barangay Captain Vincent Rizal Rosario said he did not expect the rise among multitude of people witnessing the event, and what he valued most was the security and the maintenance of peace in the vicinity.

.With this development, Mayor Amante expressed his gratitude to all the people who have exerted their undying support to the activity and the other programs to be implemented in the city. (Gerry Galgao Gabiana, PIO/PIA-Caraga)

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.CHDO rehabilitates drainage system in subdivisions

.The City Housing Development Office (CHDO) headed by Engr. Lorden G. Vismanos, Department Head II, conducted a one-day meeting at Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) recently signifying the local government’s plan of rehabilitating drainage in different resettlement sites in Butuan City.

.The main objective of establishing the Project Implementation Office-Resettlement Office (PIO-RO) is to organize meeting for all Resettlement Planning partners at the City level (FSUU, concerned City Government Offices, Barangay Captains of the afected areas). It also secures list of Project Affected families (PAFs) and property owners from concerned Barangay for PIO-RO and enumerator’s reference. The office also establishes date of Assembly per Barangay or Project briefing and conduct of Census and Tagging Operation.

.Through the efforts of PIO-RO, the project aims to cater the immediate needs for housing in response to the objectives of the city government for development.

.Meanwhile, the constituents extend their gratitude to the governance of Mayor Ferdinand Amate, Jr. in prioritizing one of the major programs to be implemented in the entire city under his administration. (PIO/PIA-Caraga).

.Feature: Kahimunan festival brings pride to Caraga

Reminiscing the cultural identity of the Butuanon populace here in CARAGA region basically was the theme of the KAHIMUNAN FESTIVAL which religiously commemorated every 3rd Sunday of January at Barangay Libertad, Butuan City.

The said festivity reigns all throughout the province of Agusan del Norte and eventually extends across the Land of Promise in Mindanao Island. The Butuanons wholly established its socio-cultural impact to whatever race of people in the different region that affects the international community. That’s the reason why many foreigners visit this unique culture depicting the way of worship, thanksgiving and planting of the agricultural source among native tribes.

The Kahimunan Festival was first conceptualized in 1987 and established to its full real sense as viewed by few people, founded and developed by the late Father Juanito B. Belino, the first parish priest of Sto. Nino Mindanao Shrine of Barangay Libertad, Butuan City.

This festivity performed among old Butuanons who showed the wide and splendor adoration of all which of today it resort to persuade multitude flocks of people from Southern and Northern provinces that joined together and witness this yearly activity of the people in Brgy. Libertad and of Butuan City. It is accompanied by some significant musical instruments such as gimbar (drum), the gong and the bamboo instruments called the Kalatong and the Katik wherein graceful dancers of this festivity wearing colorful ornaments that includes the head-dress or “Tubaw” and brilliant bracelets while simultaneously performers are shouting, dancing, and singing.

Indeed, it is not only an ordinary ritual among natives but a festivity that serves as a way of living among Butuanon in the vicinity for a purpose to obtain a bountiful harvest, good health, goodwill, prosperity and blessings from their known Gods of their ancestors.

Today just like other festivity, Kahimunan festival can be equalled to its total concept towards other. If Cebu is known for its Sinulog then Butuan City got the whole fame to its KAHIMUNAN FESTIVAL. “Viva Sr. Sto Nino!”, “Viva! Pit Senior!” As the performers sing its majestic voices and chanting out these uttered words that free themselves from the disturbance of some bad mystic.

How we wish you could visit once just to enjoy this festive of us! (PIO/PIA-Caraga)

Senator Loren Legarda today pushed for the passage of a measure that seeks to widen the scope of the Intellectual Property Code (RA 8293) to include the protection of copyrighted materials over the internet.

“In this modern age when the internet has become a necessity to access, send, spread, download and upload almost all kinds of information, the protection from piracy of copyrighted data and other literary and artistic works has become more challenging,” Legarda said.

The Senator has filed Senate Bill 2628 which seeks to amend the IPC to respond to the upsurge of internet piracy.

She noted that there are currently more than two billion internet users worldwide, about 1.2 billion of which come from the Philippines and other developing countries, according to the International Telecommunications Union.

.Legarda said that even as many more are gaining access to the internet, the responsibilities of users are not clear under the law, which has now led to the unlawful and irresponsible use and even reproduction of protected materials.

“Many people think that everything on the internet is free, without being mindful that the materials they are copying, downloading or spreading are original compositions of people who put much effort and talent to come up with such creative works,” she explained.

“It is our obligation to ensure not only the promotion of the talents, but also the protection of the rights of performers and producers of artistic and literary works. It is their right to disallow or allow the use, production, and reproduction of their works even over the internet and through other technological media that are available,” Legarda concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)

Legarda promotes weaving, eco-tourism and cultural tourism in Iloilo

Senator Loren Legarda has encouraged Ilonggos to use their talent, rich culture and history as instruments for progress and development.

Legarda, during her visit to the Province of Iloilo, said that with weaving, eco-tourism and cultural tourism, the province can achieve further economic growth and development while, at the same time, they are also able to preserve their heritage and protect the environment.

“Weaving is a traditional industry in Iloilo, and also in other provinces, that we should eagerly promote as it will bring not only huge profits, but also recognition for the creativeness and remarkable skill of Filipino weavers,” she said.

Legarda, author of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law (RA 9242), also said that the President’s declaration of a Philippine Tropical Fabrics Day, to be observed on January 24, 2011, further shows the importance of promoting the country’s natural fabrics.

.The Senator also encouraged Ilonggos to strengthen the province’s tourism industry, noting Iloilo’s rich historical and natural tourist spots, such as the Miag-ao Church, which is a World Heritage Site; Sicogon Island; the Bulabog Puti-an National Park; and, the Isla de Higantes, among many others.

“Iloilo is home to many islands and other natural tourist spots, and it also boasts of several centuries-old churches and infrastructure that can surely attract both local and foreign tourists. We just need to carefully preserve these natural and man-made wonders and come up with a well-planned promotional campaign to boost tourism in the province,” Legarda said.

“We have to keep in mind never to put aside our nation’s history, rich heritage and abundant natural resources for the sake of development because progress can be achieved without having to disregard our culture or exacting a toll on our environment,” she concluded. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga)

Loren urges LGUs to put up rainwater catchment facilities in their areas

Senator Loren Legarda today encouraged local government units (LGUs) to follow the example of the Iloilo City government in putting up rainwater harvesting facilities in its barangays as part of its water conservation program.

Legarda said that putting up such system would help address the country’s water shortage problem, particularly during the summer season, while making use of the excessive water brought by the rains during the wet season.

“Water is a very precious resource. We have been experiencing water shortages especially in the urban areas. Putting up rainwater harvesting systems will help address that shortage while reducing our dependence on commercially available water,” she explained.

She added that while careful planning and studying would still be needed before such system can be put up, citizens can already start collecting and storing rainwater in their homes.

“These catchment systems can be built using low-cost local materials. But while the system is not yet in place, the people can store rainwater especially in areas being frequented by rains. We just have to make sure that water is stored properly so it would not become a breeding place for mosquitoes,” Legarda said. (Office of Senator Loren Legarda/PIA-Caraga).

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PSWD now served 64,255 flood victims

By: David M. Suyao

The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Agusan del Sur has served 64,255 flood victims since the floods hit the entire province on the first week of this year.

Provincial Social Welfare chief Josefina Bajade said that since the first day that flood waters rushed, taking lives, crashing houses and properties, her office in Patin-ay, Prosperidad, has been receiving people affected by the floods, seeking for help, mostly food and clothing.

“On January 3, Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza already called me and instructed me to do everything to produce the most needed items that the flood victims will need, and coordinate with the municipal social welfare offices so that relief goods distribution will be in order and fair. I also coordinated with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center so that my office will have the information we need for our direction in extending help, and for orderly distribution of relief goods,” Mrs. Bajade said.

To date, part of the five percent calamity funds of the provincial government were utilized to purchase some 1,300 sacks of rice, 640 cases of sardines, 888 boxes of noodles, 150 boxes instant coffee, 128 boxes of milo and five bags of sugar. GMA Kapuso Foundation have also extended 1,756 family packs composed of three kilos rice, three tins sardines, 3 packs noodles and used clothing to some 1,756 families while the Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Office have also extended 800 family packs to 800 families and each family pack is composed of three kilos rice, three tins sardines, three tins corned beef, three packs noodles and one pact milk.

Mrs. Bajade said, everybody in her office has given their share to help. They wake up early in the morning and work late at night, repacking the relief goods so that they will be ready the following day.

“No one is spared in our office. Everybody help in repacking the relief goods so that everything will be ready the next day. Each pack contains three kilos of rice, three tins of sardines and three packs of noodles. We also continue to solicit from kind hearted people in the community to give anything that they can, including blankets, mosquito nets, used clothing because we know our brothers and sisters, especially the children and women, need them,” Mrs. Bajade said.

To date, 7,982 families already receive relief goods from the provincial government of Agusan del Sur, aside from the relief goods given by the GMA Kapuso Foundation and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Caraga Region to separate victims. (PIA-Agusan del Sur)